DAY 1 – CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – PUMAMARCA
At 6:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel for a private transfer to the archaeological site of Tambomachay, where our hike will begin.
We will start the trek through impressive high-Andean landscapes until we reach Sicllaccasa Pass, located at 4,020 meters above sea level (13,186 ft). We will then continue along an ancient Inca trail leading toward the Ccauca ravine, where we will observe archaeological remains, wild tarwi crops, and a wide variety of cacti.
We will then ascend to Queullococha Pass, situated at 4,185 meters above sea level (13,727 ft). From this point, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Verónica, Pitusiray, and Chicón mountains. We will walk alongside Queullococha Lagoon, a natural habitat for Andean geese, ducks, and small fish.
The route continues with an ascent to Challu Challu Pass, located at 4,220 meters above sea level (13,845 ft). From here, we will admire the extensive plains of Chinchero and the Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons. We will then climb toward the fourth mountain pass, Rumicruz, situated at 4,230 meters above sea level (13,878 ft).
Afterward, we will visit an ancient Inca quarry located at 4,220 meters above sea level (13,845 ft), where the stones used to build the archaeological complex of Huchuy Qosqo were extracted.
Finally, we will descend toward Pumamarca Canyon, located at 4,010 meters above sea level (13,156 ft), arriving in the afternoon. At the end of the day, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night at our campsite.
DAY 2 – PUMAMARCA – HUCHUY QOSQO – OLLANTAYTAMBO
After breakfast, we will begin our hike at approximately 7:00 a.m., leaving our campsite behind and continuing toward the archaeological complex of Huchuy Qosqo.
We will begin by descending toward León Punku Ravine, whose name means “Lion’s Gate.” Along the route, we will observe ancient trails and the remains of an Inca bridge. We will pass through an impressive canyon surrounded by unique geological formations and towering rock walls, with a river flowing through it toward Huchuy Qosqo.
Upon arriving at Huchuy Qosqo, located at 3,600 meters above sea level (11,811 ft), we will enjoy a guided tour of this important Inca archaeological complex. We will explore its stone and adobe structures, enclosures, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial areas. From this site, we will enjoy extraordinary panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Vilcanota River, and the surrounding mountains.
After the guide’s explanation and some free time to take photographs, we will continue hiking for approximately two hours until we reach the community of Taucca, where we will enjoy lunch.
Finally, we will board our private transportation and travel to the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel, where we will rest and spend the night.
DAY 3 – OLLANTAYTAMBO – INCA TRAIL – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
At 7:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo and transfer you to the train station. From there, we will board the train to Kilometer 104, a journey of approximately one hour. Along the way, we will enjoy beautiful views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, its farmland, mountains, and snow-capped peaks.
Upon arrival at Kilometer 104, located at 2,200 meters above sea level (7,217 ft), we will begin our adventure along the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We will cross a bridge over the Urubamba River, known in Quechua as Willkamayuc, meaning “Sacred River.” This river held great spiritual and agricultural importance during the Inca period.
At the checkpoint, passengers must present the identification document registered for the reservation, such as a passport, national identity document, or foreign resident card. After completing the entrance formalities, we will begin a 15-minute walk to the archaeological complex of Chachabamba, an ancient Inca site hidden within the vegetation of the subtropical forest.
After a guided visit to Chachabamba, we will continue ascending along ancient Inca trails and stone stairways. During the hike, we will enjoy impressive views of the valley, natural waterfalls, and different varieties of orchids native to the subtropical forest.
After approximately three hours of hiking, we will arrive at the archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna, located at 2,650 meters above sea level (8,694 ft). This extraordinary site is one of the finest examples of Inca agricultural engineering, with numerous terraces built along the mountainside.
The name Wiñay Wayna means “Forever Young” and comes from a beautiful species of orchid that grows abundantly in the area. The complex contains more than twenty structures, ceremonial enclosures, water fountains, and extensive agricultural terraces.
We will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately one hour, followed by a box lunch to restore our energy. We will then continue toward the Wiñay Wayna checkpoint.
The second part of the hike will take approximately two hours. We will follow trails surrounded by lush vegetation, climb stone stairways, and pass ancient tambos, which were resting places used during the Inca period.
Finally, we will reach Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, located at 2,720 meters above sea level (8,924 ft). This site served as one of the main entrances to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. From here, we will enjoy our first unforgettable panoramic view of the citadel and the surrounding mountains.
After taking photographs and admiring the scenery, we will descend for approximately 30 minutes until we reach Machu Picchu, located at 2,490 meters above sea level (8,169 ft). On this day, we will enjoy a panoramic visit, as the complete guided tour of the citadel will take place the following day.
We will then board the bus to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, located at 2,160 meters above sea level (7,087 ft). The bus journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy an à la carte dinner at a local restaurant. Guests who still have energy may explore the town or optionally visit its thermal baths.
DAY 4 – GUIDED TOUR OF MACHU PICCHU – RETURN TO CUSCO
We will begin the day early with breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, we will head to the bus station in Aguas Calientes and board the bus to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Upon arrival, we will enter Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours. During the visit, we will explore the most important areas of the citadel according to the circuit assigned or selected at the time of booking. Our guide will explain the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this extraordinary legacy of the Inca civilization.
As an optional activity, passengers with a previously reserved entrance ticket may climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. This activity has an additional cost of approximately USD 75 per person and is subject to availability, so it must be requested well in advance.
After the visit, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival in the town, you will have free time to enjoy lunch at your own expense at one of the local restaurants and explore the town before heading to the train station.
In the afternoon, we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Passengers must arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the departure time indicated on their train ticket.
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo train station, a representative of our company will be waiting to transfer you by tourist transportation to your hotel in Cusco. The journey takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
Upon arrival at your hotel, we will conclude this unforgettable experience through Huchuy Qosqo, the Short Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu.
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9 Days - 8 Nights
